Indulge your senses with some of ancient history’s most renowned relics during this scenic and memorable tour of Egypt. The adventure begins with a journey to the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor City where you will be exploring the beauty and mystery of Egypt’s ancient temples and tombs. On the following day, fly to Cairo where your adventure continues with visits to the famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
NOTE: This program involves extensive walking over uneven ground and is thus not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or for those who require a wheelchair.
DAY 1
Upon disembarking the ship in Safaga, you will be met by your guide and depart for the 3.5-hour drive to Luxor. Restrooms are available on the coach therefore no stops are planned along the way. Coaches are escorted along the way.
Upon arrival in Luxor the group will enjoy lunch before crossing the fabulous Nile River by motorboat and proceed to the West Bank area for a visit to the Valley of the Kings. It is here you will find the remarkable tombs of Egypt's ancient kings, their families and other Egyptian nobility. Note: there is a step or two down into the boat, the boat is fully covered but open on the sides.
Ample time is allotted here for you to fully explore this wonderful site. The ticket you receive will include entry to three tombs of your choice. The ground is uneven and there are many steps to enter each of the various tombs.
Next, it's on to Hatshepsut Temple where there will be a short photo stop. This awesome mortuary temple that was buried under sand for centuries was built by Hatshepsut, the only woman to rule as a Pharaoh. Built into the mountainside, it stands as an incredible monument to the powers held by the pharaohs.
A second photo stop follows at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that originally flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. Although the temple itself was destroyed in an earthquake and most of its remnants have long since disappeared, these magnificent statues still stand guard today, albeit over an open field.
Finally, a visit will be made to the Luxor Temple. This renowned ancient structure was originally built during the reign of Amenophis the III, then expanded by Ramses II, who added a statue of himself and two obelisks. Today, only one of them remains at the Luxor Temple; the other one was given by Mohamed Ali to Louis Philippe in 1831 and is displayed at the Concorde in Paris to this day. After Alexander the Great rebuilt the sanctuary in the 4th century B.C., the Romans subsequently rebuilt portions of it and the Muslims built a mosque in the temple.
Note: Cameras and video cameras are permitted inside the Luxor Temple.
Following your visit to the Luxor Temple, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner at your hotel.
DAY 2
After an early wake up call, breakfast boxes will be distributed by the hotel before proceeding to the Luxor Airport for a 60-minute flight to Cairo.
Upon arrival in Cairo, considered to be the largest city in Africa and the Middle East, the group will enjoy a buffet breakfast at a deluxe hotel before starting the day’s touring.
Your first visit of the day will be the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Opened in 1902, the museum has over 107 halls displaying the world's largest and richest collection of Egyptian antiquities, including statues, mummies, the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamen. NOTE: there are steps in the museum. Should the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) be open by the time this program takes place, the group will visit this museum instead. It will be the world’s largest archaeological museum with priceless artifacts and items from King Tutankhamen’s tomb.
After your museum visit, you will be visiting the only remaining wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
The Giza Plateau consists of three major pyramids or tombs, built by the Pharaohs Cheops, his son Chephren and Chephern's son Mykerinus, where their mummified bodies would rest for eternity.
Situated in front of the pyramids of Chephren, is the guardian of this ancient mortuary complex: the legendary Great Sphinx. This monumental statue, with the body of a lion and head of a human, was carved from a single piece of Giza plateau bedrock and is considered a national symbol of both ancient and modern Egypt.
At each site you will have ample time to walk around and take photos although no inside visits are permitted. Please be aware that there will be vendors selling merchandise and camel rides which you should do only at your own risk.
Lunch will be offered in a deluxe restaurant before drive back to Cairo Airport for the flight to Hurghada which is located approximately 60 km away from the port of Safaga.
Once you have arrived you will be met and transferred to Safaga where you will re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
8:30am Disembark the ship in Safaga
8:45am Proceed to the port terminal for security screening
9:00am Depart for the drive to Luxor. The drive is approximately 3. 5 hours. Restrooms are
available on the bus. No comfort stop is scheduled.
12:30pm Buffet lunch at a deluxe hotel.
1:30pm Proceed to visit the West Bank by motorboat
2:15pm Visit the Valley of the Kings
3:45pm Proceed to Hatshepsut Temple
4:00pm Photo stop at Hatshepsut Temple
4:10pm Proceed to the Colossi of Memnon
4:15pm Photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon
4:20pm Drive back to the East Bank
5:00pm Visit Luxor Temple
6:00pm Proceed to your hotel and check in
Optional: shopping with your guide for an hour
7-10pm Buffet dinner served at your hotel
Overnight at the Hilton Luxor or similar hotel
Day 2 - Timings subject to change based on flight details – below is a sample itinerary
4:00am Wake up call, breakfast box provided by the hotel
4:45am Proceed to the Luxor Airport
5:15am Arrive at the Luxor Airport
6:30am Fly to Cairo (Charter Flight details TBA and subject to change)
7:30am Arrive at the Cairo International Airport
8:15am Proceed for breakfast
8:45am Breakfast at deluxe restaurant
9:30am Proceed to the Egyptian Museum
9:45am Visit the Egyptian Museum
11:30am Proceed to the Pyramids area
12:15pm Visit the area surrounding the Pyramids and the Sphinx for photos
2:15pm Proceed for lunch – 15 min
2:30pm Lunch at a deluxe restaurant
3:30pm Drive to the Cairo Airport
4:30pm Arrive at the Cairo Airport
5:30pm Fly to Hurghada (Charter Flight details TBA and subject to change)
6:30pm Arrive in Hurghada
7:00pm Drive to Safaga port
8:00pm Arrive at Safaga port and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather:
The average high-temperature is 39.2°C (102.6°F) and the average low-temperature is 20.2°C (68.4°F). Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your visit and wear protection from the sun.
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, camera, hat, sunscreen
Local Currency:
Egyptian Pound but USD are widely accepted
Electricity:
220- 240 V - Adaptors are not available at hotels, please make sure to bring your own should you require one
Luggage information:
Domestic flights accommodate one piece of checked (23 KG) and one carry on (8 kg) per person. Should
you exceed this allowance you will be required to pay at the check in counter for any excess.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Documentation:
Passports are required to brought with you on this trip
At this time, Visas are not required for US, EU and Canadian citizens however you should check with your local Egyptian Embassy for further or updated information prior to travel
Accommodation:
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar hotel
13 El Karnak El Gadid St, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Tel: +2010 0600 1270
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes
•One night at Hilton Luxor Resort or similar (Partial Nile View Room)
•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner
•Bottled water, tea, coffee, one soda or one bottle of beer/one glass of local wine with meals
•Entrance fees of all mentioned sites
•Private English-speaking guide from Safaga port and back
•Domestic economy class flights per the itinerary
Program Excludes
•Any meals or drinks not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Price: $1,299 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
